TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS (ENGLISH) – 12.06.2025

Subject: Polity

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Regulation Bill, 2025, on June 11, 2025, to curb illegal online betting and gaming platforms.
The bill introduces a licensing regime for operators, imposes heavy fines (up to ₹10 lakh), and jail terms (up to 3 years) for violations.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin emphasized protecting youth from gaming addiction while fostering a regulated digital economy.
The legislation follows a 2023 Supreme Court ruling urging states to regulate online gaming, distinguishing games of skill from gambling.
Concept: Article 246(3) grants states legislative powers over betting and gambling under the State List (Entry 34).
Opposition parties, including AIADMK, raised concerns over enforcement feasibility, citing the need for robust monitoring mechanisms.
This move aligns with Tamil Nadu’s broader digital governance push, including its AI-driven public service delivery systems.

2. India’s Semiconductor Mission Gains Momentum

Subject: Economy

India approved three new semiconductor projects worth ₹1.2 lakh crore on June 10, 2025, under the India Semiconductor Mission, including a unit in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu’s Kaynes Semicon Pvt Ltd facility in Chennai is set to produce 6,000 chips daily, boosting India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted India’s aim to become a global semiconductor hub by 2030, reducing reliance on imports.
The projects are expected to create 27,000 direct jobs and strengthen India’s position in the global supply chain.
Concept: Article 301 ensures freedom of trade and commerce, supporting India’s industrial growth policies.
Challenges include addressing skill gaps and ensuring energy supply for high-tech manufacturing.
Tamil Nadu’s Global Investors Meet 2025 played a key role in attracting semiconductor investments.

3. India-China Border Talks Progress Post-LAC Disengagement

Subject: International

India and China held the 31st WMCC meeting on June 11, 2025, to discuss border peace after completing LAC disengagement in eastern Ladakh.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular patrolling and prevent new flashpoints along the 3,488-km border, following the October 2024 agreement.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressed India’s commitment to peace while maintaining robust border infrastructure.
The talks align with India’s broader defence modernization, including the induction of 240 aero-engines for Su-30 MKI jets.
Concept: Article 51(c) of the Constitution mandates fostering respect for international law and treaty obligations.
Tamil Nadu’s defence corridor contributes significantly, with DRDO testing facilities in Chennai supporting indigenous defence production.
Geopolitical analysts view the progress as a step toward stabilizing bilateral trade, impacted since the 2020 Galwan clash.

4. Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 Focuses on Green Economy

Subject: Economy

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented the 2025-26 state budget on June 12, 2025, with a ₹3.48 lakh crore outlay, prioritizing renewable energy.
₹12,000 crore allocated for the Green Energy Corridor-III to achieve 50% renewable energy by 2030, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s leadership in wind and solar power.
The budget includes ₹5,000 crore for MSME clusters, aiming to create 2 lakh jobs in rural areas.
A new skill development program, “Tamil Nadu Skill 2030,” targets training 10 lakh youth for tech-driven industries like semiconductors.
Concept: Fiscal federalism under the 7th Schedule balances state and central economic responsibilities.
Critics, including BJP, argue the budget overlooks urban infrastructure challenges in cities like Coimbatore.
The budget’s focus on invasive species management, like Prosopis juliflora, aims to protect agricultural land.

5. India’s Defence Exports Cross ₹23,000 Crore in FY25

Subject: ECONOMY

India’s defence exports reached ₹23,000 crore in FY24-25, a 30% rise, driven by indigenous systems like the BrahMos missile and Akash air defence system.
Tamil Nadu’s defence corridor, with firms like Bharat Dynamics in Trichy, contributed significantly to export growth.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced plans to achieve ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2030, emphasizing ‘Make in India.’
The second phase of Project Seabird in Karwar, Karnataka, was inaugurated, enhancing naval infrastructure.
Concept: Article 53 vests the President with supreme command of the armed forces, guiding defence policy.
India’s participation in multinational exercises like Malabar 2025 strengthens its global defence partnerships.
Challenges include streamlining export clearances to compete with global defence markets.